Security agencies foiled a major terror plot in Karachi after an Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO), preventing large-scale casualties and potential destruction across the metropolis.
Addressing a press conference, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) officials confirmed recovery of over two tonnes of highly explosive material during a targeted operation conducted in Karachi’s Baldia Rais Goth locality.
CTD officials said a suicide bomber was arrested alive during the raid, while a mini truck and several gas cylinders meant for use in planned attacks were also seized.
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According to authorities, terrorists were preparing coordinated suicide bombings targeting crowded public places in Karachi, aiming to cause maximum casualties and widespread panic among residents.
Officials revealed that the explosives, gas cylinders, and vehicle were hidden inside a residential house, where attackers were making final arrangements before executing the planned attack in Karachi.
Security officials said actionable intelligence regarding terrorist activity was received earlier, prompting close surveillance of suspicious movements and suspected hideouts across Karachi and nearby areas.
The operation followed nearly a week of continuous monitoring by intelligence agencies, who tracked movements within a 30 to 40-kilometre radius of the city.
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CTD officials stated that enhanced coordination among security institutions played a key role in locating the explosives cache and apprehending the suicide bomber before any attack occurred.
Investigations revealed that the arrested suspect is linked to the banned Baloch Liberation Army’s (BLA) Bashir Zeb faction, also described by officials as Fitna-e-Hindustan.
Authorities said the group has been using Afghan soil to plan, facilitate, and support terrorist activities, with Karachi identified as a primary target for mass-casualty attacks.
CTD officials disclosed that intelligence gathered from the arrested bomber is helping trace facilitators, handlers, and sleeper cells connected to the network operating inside Pakistan.
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They added that further arrests are expected as follow-up operations continue, aimed at dismantling the remaining structure of the militant network behind the planned attacks.
Officials stressed that timely intelligence sharing, effective coordination, and swift action ensured CTD foils major attack bid in Karachi, saving countless lives and critical infrastructure.
Investigations into the recovered explosives, communication links, and financial support networks remain ongoing, while security agencies vowed to bring all involved elements to justice.
